Summary of interesting dates in
Old Beckenham.

1318
West Wickham granted the right to hold a market. No evidence that it was ever held.

1408
First Kelsey House, Beckenham built.

1484
Population of West Wickham estimated to be 120.

1615
Langley Chapel consecrated.

1619
Beckenham Church extended.

1687
First account of beating of the bounds in Beckenham.

1694
Anthony Rawlins, a wealthy London merchant, dies while staying at Kent House and bequeaths money to be used for almshouses. The Rawlins Almshouses survive today next to Beckenham Church.

1713
Clock House, Beckenham built.

1773
John Cator buys the manor of Beckenham and builds a new manor house, Beckenham Place Park.

1774
Beckenham Rectory built, designed by Robert Adam it contained a number of his fireplaces, later transferred to Beckenham Town Hall one of these is now in the mayor’s parlour at Bromley Civic Centre. Outbreak of smallpox in Beckenham causes the vestry to offer free inoculations.

1784
John Julius Angerstein, a member of Lloyd’s of London, acquires Kent House, Beckenham.